CHAPTER 166: CHAPTER 166: BIRTHDAY 4_1

Seeing Zhou Xiaoxuan was determined not to speak, Xu Xiaoya urged, "Zhou Xiaoxuan, I don’t have time to waste with you. Since you’re a customer, I’ll give you three more gift sets and another discount..."

One of the three gift sets included a full-priced basic handbag, with a price tag nearing five figures. Xu Xiaoya was doing this entirely because Zhou Xiaoxuan had once lent her money, and she wanted to repay the favor. But Zhou Xiaoxuan glared at her. "I just don’t want it! What can you do about it? This is Yan Xixi’s shop. I’m not happy, so I don’t want her earning my money!"

"HEH HEH, Zhou Xiaoxuan, whether you want this bag or not, you’re taking it."

"And what if I don’t want it? What can you do?"

"I’ll show your husband your pre-plastic surgery photos. HMPH, Zhou Xiaoxuan, go swipe your card. Otherwise, don’t blame me for not having any ’classmate affection.’"

Zhou Xiaoxuan’s face fell. "You... you still have my old photos?"

"Of course. I have several photos of you from high school. You really don’t want to mess with me."

That really stirred up a hornet’s nest. Zhou Xiaoxuan shot up from her seat and grabbed her. "Quick! Give me back those photos..."

Xu Xiaoya, choked by the grip on her collar, was almost gasping for air, her eyes threatening to roll back. "Let go! Are you crazy?"

"Give them back! You have to..."

"I don’t have them with me."

"Then I’m going home with you to get them right now..."

Xu Xiaoya finally managed to push the frantic woman away, retreating a few steps and gasping for breath. "Zhou Xiaoxuan, do you have any sense at all? It’s been so many years since graduation, I’ve been all over the place. Forget your photos, I’ve thrown out all of my own! Who’d bother keeping a picture of your ’precious’ face?"

Zhou Xiaoxuan, still shaken and resentful, snapped, "If I find out you’re still hiding those photos, I’ll make you pay. Come on, take me to swipe my card!"

Xu Xiaoya burst out laughing. "Thank you for your patronage, Miss Zhou! We look forward to your next visit."

For several days, Fu Mei observed carefully. Yan Xixi showed no unusual behavior. She came to work and left as usual, never even discussing the large order from Mr. Liang with anyone. Fu Mei was filled with curiosity. Time was ticking by. The first dinner hadn’t even happened yet, so how could Yan Xixi possibly secure Mr. Liang’s deal with just two dinners?

But since Yan Xixi didn’t proactively report to her, Fu Mei suppressed her curiosity, thinking, Let’s just see what you do when the time comes.

Thursday afternoon, Yan Xixi received a call from Xu Xiaoya. "Xixi, can you get off work an hour early today?"

"Is something up?"

"I’m waiting for you at XX Western Restaurant. If it’s not convenient for you to leave early, then let’s meet at seven sharp."

Although surprised, Yan Xixi agreed immediately. After work, she arrived on time. The moment she stepped into the restaurant, she paused, stunned. The decor was luxurious, and one glance told her the prices were steep. Xu Xiaoya was holding a large bouquet of roses, beaming. "Xixi, over here! Come on!"

Yan Xixi walked over. Xu Xiaoya thrust the large bouquet of roses in front of her. "Happy birthday, Xixi!"

She froze for a moment. Only then did she remember it was her birthday. Looking at the table, she saw a very pretty little cake. Xu Xiaoya chuckled. "See? No one remembered your birthday, did they?"

Yan Xixi gave a wry smile. "I’d forgotten it myself. I haven’t celebrated my birthday in years."

"Well, I remembered, didn’t I? Tonight’s my treat. Don’t worry about saving my money—order whatever you want!"

Yan Xixi indeed didn’t hold back, ordering a feast. After they had eaten and drunk their fill, they were leisurely sipping coffee when Xu Xiaoya asked tentatively, "Does Huang Xiaojue still not know you’re working at his company?"